For those people who have had to find a doctor to do their fills other than the one that did the surgery, I am just wondering how they found that doctor, have they had a good experience, how much they have had to pay (if anything), and other other comments you would like to make about the doctor.

Also, if you could include comments about where the doctor is located, phone numbers, and any other pertinent data.

Astrotoes, I think some ppl who had their surgery in Mexico say that and keep that rumour going to make themselves feel better about having their surgery in Mexico vice their home country....like they need to convince themselves it is "okay" or something. I'm not saying that perhaps some Mexican docs didn't train other docs (ie. in the US perhaps?) but it's not as common as they like ppl to think.

Do you have a number that I can contact Dr. Descoteaux at?

You can call Dr. Descoteaux at 220-8958. I think that is his office number and you would need to get an appointment at the clinic for a fill. It is actually quite a confusing process if he did not perform your surgery, but he will try to do everything to help you out.

Julie C

Nov 6/06

Dr. Ortiz, Mexico

I think Dr. Amson does them in Victoria (once you convince him that he is not the only one who can do lap band surgery). I am having a little stress on that front right now. I am also considering Dr. Neal in Washington state. Where do you live?

Bandiva, I'm on the island and use Dr Woodhead for my fills. He's in Ladner so it's just a 15 minute bus ride from the ferry terminal.

Astrotoes, I think some ppl who had their surgery in Mexico say that and keep that rumour going to make themselves feel better about having their surgery in Mexico vice their home country....like they need to convince themselves it is "okay" or something. I'm not saying that perhaps some Mexican docs didn't train other docs (ie. in the US perhaps?) but it's not as common as they like ppl to think.

I made an error in a previous post stating that my Mexican doctor trained doctors in Toronto. It was actually Montreal. I know that in Mexico there are not the same standards for doctors and hospitals as there are in Canada, but if you do your research, you can find good, reputable doctors. We pay money called taxes to our provincial governments for them to do the research and set the standards. In Mexico they don't pay the government for any things, so they have to do the work themselves. It is just a different way of doing things.

For some people in Canada, Mexico is a lot closer than Toronto, and it is less money. Too often I think people think quality health care can only happen in Canada and that is simply not true. There is quality health care in many countries other than Canada. We have just become used to how it is done here, and think that this is the only right way, which simply is not true.

I don't need to convince myself that going to Mexico was okay. It was a great option and I would encourage anyone investigating the lap band to consider surgery in other countries. If you are going to all the work to investigate the lapband and have to pay for it anyway, why not look at all the options, no matter what country.

Julie

Nov 6/06

Dr. Ortiz, Mexico

Julie,.....absolutely, people must investigate ALL options...including out of country. (I have always advocated that and have never stated otherwise).

You are fortunate in that you had someone able to do your fills (Dr. D). But, too often, I hear people come on here (Canadian thread and the other threads) complaining about how they can't find a doctor to do their fills because they had their surgery in Mexico. Well...sorry...but if someone decides to have their surgery in Mexico BEFORE lining up post-operative care....that is just plain and simple CRAZY!!!! Why ANYONE would do the surgery and pay big bucks without having the proper post-operative care lined up is beyond me. So, you're absolutely correct....do your research and that includes your post-op care and having something lined up (ie. if you don't plan on going back to Mexico...or wherever...for your fills).

I agree with what you said about healthcare....but it is a personal decision and for me (& I suspect a lot of others) the reason Mexico was never considered as a viable option is simply because of the "what if" factor. What if something goes wrong? Either during or...more importantly...after...when you are back home.....? If there is a major complication, I wanted the peace of mind knowing that I could just go to my surgeon here (who did the surgery) or if I had to go to emerg the peace of mind knowing that my surgeon could easily talk to the emerg dep't on the phone (ie. like Dr. Coborun did for Mandi when she was at emerg in New Brunswick....she wouldn't have had that option if she had the surgery in Mexico).

I never said anything negative about the quality of the surgery in Mexico....my only concerns were for my aftercare and the "what if" factor and that was enough for me to not consider it. Everyone is different. But regardless of the choice, I do think it is ridiculous if someone goes out of country before having after-care lined up....I have no sympathy for those people.....

Jac: Prior to my surgery, I went to my local GP and told him what I was doing. After talking with me and finding out I was going ahead with or without him, he told me he was not familiar with the band, just gastric bypass but he would support me in my fills, etc. My worry is, I never discussed his criteria for the fills/defills. I intend to go to TLBC for my first fill to find out the process. I will then be able to discuss with my GP who calls the shots. Him or me. Doddie